When I saw the film Sex and Lucia several years ago, the scenes of Formentera island really stole the show. For the same reason Lucia in the film goes there to start over, it seems like the perfect place to get lost for awhile, and return to oneself amongst the elements of sun, sand, and water. It’s been on my travel wish list for some time, but now I am even more determined to get there since I’m still crushing on the similarly beachy boho style of Les Gazelles that I wrote about last week.

Known as “the last paradise in the Mediterranean,” many say Formentera is how Ibiza used to be before it became the raging party scene it is today. I’d frankly much rather be on Formentera with its rugged coastline, windmills, fig orchards, lighthouses, and pristine beaches. The ferry ride back to Ibiza is only 30 minutes, so it would be easy to hop over if you are looking to join the crowds.

There’s still plenty to keep you busy though on Formentera, and the preferred method of transportation is renting a moped to cruise around.

There are small towns with churches, ruins, artisan markets, and the picturesque Cap de Barberia and La Mola lighthouses.

There are some sophisticated beach front bars, restaurants and hangouts with gorgeous views. Or if you want to be low key, you can grab a beer for a Euro at the Sun Splash, and play backgammon while watching the sunset.

Espalmador island toward Ibiza is reached by boat and just for the day, you can feel like a castaway. On one side of the island you can dip into a sulphuric pool of mud with its natural healing properties, and then wash off in the ocean.

There’s an increase in places to stay compared to when I first looked a few years ago. Besides private homes, bungalows, and apartments, Es Ram and Gecko Beach are the boutique style hotels on the island.

While the sun seekers are mainly Europeans looking for a mellow beach getaway, Formentera has had it’s share of famous faces. The hippies first flocked to Formentera in the 60′s, followed by Pink Floyd and then Bob Dylan, who apparently holed up in a 200 year old windmill for a few months. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are said to have occasionally arrived quietly by yacht and escaped for a few days at Cala Soana, and these days you might find Kate Moss or Jade Jagger hanging out at Las Banderas.

There are some stunning private homes on the island. I love the {above} family vacation home of Consuelo Castiglioni, creative director of Marni.

It all sounds so lovely right? Yeah…see you there next summer.

Packing List:

Butterfly Caftan | Golden Pennant necklace | Spring Festival Necklace | Fouta towel | Ruched bikini | sunglasses | Irina Sandals | Raffia backpack | Supergoop

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* For more on islands, check out the guest post I have over on Hither & Thither about a darling French island off the coast of Brittany!

And for more Wanderlust destinations on Luster, check out Vietnam | Belize | Ireland | Paris |  St. Petersburg |  Dubrovnik, Croatia |  Marfa, Texas |  Vancouver Island |  The Amalfi Coast |  and Reykjavik

Images: Sex and Lucia | Es Ram Resort | Consuelo Castiglioni’s house in Formentera, photos by Francois Halard, Hotel Cala Soana image gallery, Las Dunas Playa, Formentera AguaMarina, 10.7, Talaya bungalows

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